Jogging outdoors can expose the female runner to a series of different risks, so it is important to take precautions and plan ahead for all eventualities. The easiest way to avoid the majority of dangers is to go to a gym and use a treadmill; or even to get a running machine at home. However, it is so much more fun running in the fresh air, in wide open spaces or in nature. Outdoors jogging is as great for invigorating the mind, as it is for the body.
So what kind of potential threats are we talking about? The media likes to hype stories about female joggers getting accosted or attacked during their early morning run, but this type of incident is thankfully very rare – it is far more common for a young male jogger to fall victim to other young males. In fact, the main threat for most runners is traffic. And your first piece of safety equipment is your shoes.
All the main companies which make running shoes for girls incorporate light reflective strips into their designs. They might look cool to you or any other casual observer, but when you are running in low visibility conditions, these flashes of reflected light play a major role in keeping you visible to car drivers. But a good pair of girls running shoes will not be all you can do to avert danger on the roads.
Although many runners do think that a single reflective strip on your top, and the reflectors on the shoes, should be enough, there is loads of other “hi viz” clothing you can try out. It is common to see joggers wearing lightweight hi viz vests, like those worn by construction workers. These will help other road users to see you from a considerable distance. There are also light reflective velcro strips that you can attach to your wrists, and which will catch a driver’s attention as you swing your arms when running.
Remember finally that a little common sense is very useful. Do not run as if you own the road, and be courteous to car drivers. They are bigger than you, and if you hold up their journey or upset them, you are endangering yourself. Road safety also means keeping your eyes open and crossing roads safely. Do not just run straight across a junction without looking; a car might have right of way, and the driver may not react in time to stop.
So to stay safe, wear running shoes with reflectors (keep them clean!) and get a hi viz vest (they are pretty inexpensive) and you’ll enjoy many wonderful hours, keeping fit in the great outdoors.